|
KEEPING YOUR MOTORCYCLE LOOKING IT'S BEST
With a reasonable amount of care and effort, you can protect your paint job so that it's still turning heads years from now. Here are the five essentials for keeping your paint job looking its best. 5 motorcycle maintenance paint job tips...
- When not riding your motorcycle, keep it inside. If it must remain outdoors all day (i.e., setting in a parking lot or under a tree,etc.) make sure to keep it protected with a high quality motorcycle cover. Over time, wind, rain, and daily exposure to sunlight all take their toll on your paint job if it is not protected. The time required to utilize a motorcycle cover is a small price to pay for safeguarding your investment.
- Keep it clean and waxed.
When Cleaning - Do not wash your motorcycle with cool water when the paint has been heated by direct sunlight. This can cause the metal underneath to contract and break the bond with the paint.
When Waxing - Apply and remove wax in the same way the paint was applied, in a linear back and forth motion following the contour of the surface. This avoids etching swirl marks into the finish. Apply wax using your fingers as the applicator. This allows you to detect any grit or abrasive particles before scratching the finish of your paint.
- Wipe off gasoline spills immediately. Certain chemicals and additives within gasoline can dull or fog your paint job if allowed to remain on the paint.
- Use only approved cleaners and waxes on your paint job. Harsh cleaners may work great for removing road tar but may also remove or dull your paint.
- Avoid constant contact (rubbing) with any clothing or travel gear on your paint.
Change your oil every 3,000 miles!!
SET YOUR CLOCK!
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation created the T-CLOCK mnemonic as a memory and orgaization ad for a pre-ride safety check of a typical motorcycle. Each letter represent a particular inspection category, as follows:
T - Tires & Wheels
C - Controls
L - Lights & Electrics
O - Oil
C - Chassis
K - Kickstand
TIRES AND WHEELS
Tires: Pressure correct (cold), tread condition. No cuts, bulges, punctures of foreign objects.
Wheels: Spokes tight and intact; rims true; no free play when flexed; bearing seals intact; spin freely.
Brakes: Firm feel; sufficient pad depth, no leaks or kinks in hoses or cables.
CONTROLS
Levers: Pivot bolt and nut; action and position correct; pivots lubed.
Cables: Ends and shafts lubed; no fraying or kinks; no binding when handlebar turned; proper adjustment.
Hoses: Check for damage or leaks, proper routing.
Throttle: Snaps closed freely when released; no excess play.
LIGHTS
Brake and Tailight(s): All filaments work; both levers actuate brake light.
Headlight: All filaments work; properly aimed; no damage.
Lenses: Clean; no condensation; tight.
Reflectors: Clean; intact.
Battery: Fluid level; terminals clean and tight; held down securely; vent tube not kinked or mis-routed.
Wiring: Check for pinching or fraying; properly routed; no corrosion.
OIL AND FLUIDS
Levels: Brake fluid, oil, final drive, transmission, coolant, fuel.
Leaks: Check all systems for leaks.
Condition: Check color of brake fluid & coolant.
CHASSIS
Frame: Paint lifting or peeling may indicate cracking.
Steering head & swingarm bearings: Lift wheels off floor, grab lower fork legs and pull and push to feel for play; repeat at rear. Turn fork to feel for detents in bearings.
Suspension: Smooth movement; proper adjustment; no leaks.
Chain or belt: Tension; lube, look for wear.
Fasteners: Look for missing or loose threaded fasteners, clips, pins.
KICKSTAND
Sidestand: Retracts firmly; no bending or damage; cut-out switch operates; spring intact.
Centerstand: Retracts firmly, no damage.
Although I feel some of this is a bit much for a daily check much of it is good common sense!
|
